The week I got back into running, the pavements got covered in ice for 2 weeks. That was just before christmas, which threw me off a little. When I do run, I'm not good at all, I think my furthest is just over 2.5 miles and that left me in pain for a couple of days after Really want to get good at it though, I've got a decent stride length thanks to my height and I struggle to put on much fat, so it's mainly just for a hobby. Might go for one next time I'm free after school.

Just been for a run earlier on with Mike.Black from here. Went round Stanley Park in Blackpool which is about 2 miles round the outside. Managed to do it fine without slowing down which is pretty good for me as I'm pretty damn unfit. First time I did that was last Weds and I was aching for days, hoping it's not as bad this time. Had a good stretch off afterward, so fingers crossed.

I've signed up for a 10k run on the 13th February... the 5k one I did last year nearly killed me so I'm slightly apprehensive. (It's not so much the fitness, just the legs want to detach themselves and crawl away).

I usually go for a run three times a week. Nowadays I keep them short and just try and get a fast time, so normally around 2-3 miles. I can hit 6 minute miles on a good day.

I used to go for much longer runs a few years ago, but I found that I was losing too much weight doing that. I wanted to retain muscle mass so I though shorter runs would suit me best, instead of becoming some kind of human rake.

I've not entered any races, but I'm very interested in doing some soon. Wanted to do the Glasgow half-marathon this year but it clashes with our honeymoon. Might have a look at the Edinburgh 10k and half-marathon instead ...

Also, what muscle groups should I try to work to improve my time? At the minute I'm working mainly my core - should I put more emphasis on my legs (or even arms?)

I've registered for the Great South Run and a 10k on April 25th, after never really racing, and being away from running for a fair while. I'm looking forward to it, and it seems a great way for me to keep motivated. Running for Naomi's House for the Great South Run, if anyone has heard of it.

I would also recommend interval running which is all about building up your effort during runs. The other tip is to run with someone slightly faster than you and try and stay with them.

Thanks man, it's a great article.

Another question now. I've noticed after my last few runs that I've come back and had some discomfort in my shins (the best I could describe it would be a pins and needles sensation). I ignored it initially, but I noticed some discomfort while doing general walking around yesterday. Does this automatically indicate shin splints? I've heard some people talk about it, but they described it as very painful, which I am not experiencing.

My running trainers aren't that old (coming up to a year), but it's strange how this has just started. If in the worst case it is shin splints and I have to give up running for a while, would a cross trainer be a good substitute, or will that batter my shins too? I really can't bear the thought of not running for a month without some form of substitution - I'd go nuts.

Also, could this be caused by the shoes I wear everyday? I bought some new Vans a few weeks back, and wear them everywhere. However, they are quite a stiff shoe when new, so I think it has caused me to walk differently. My old everyday trainers were a pair of Salomon's cross country running shoes, so could the drastic change also cause my symptoms?

Did a pretty hefty run for myself last night after doing a 45 minute weights session. I was suprised to see how far I could get without stopping, and had a few short sprinting bursts when I got a bit into the music I was listening to - probably strawberry floated me. It was only about 1.3 miles but I enjoyed it.